2021 COPPER CANYON

Globus YM

Set in the Sierra Madre Mountains, Mexico’s Copper Canyon consists of multiple canyons that, when combined, are larger than the Grand Canyon and deeper in some places. The area is home to the indigenous Tarahumaras and one of the world’s most breathtaking train rides. On this Copper Canyon tour, you’ll explore this area, experience beautiful scenery, and learn about the native cultures. You’ll overnight in Phoenix, San Carlos, El Fuerte, Cerocahui, Posada Barrancas (Copper Canyon), and Nuevo Casas Grandes.

The highlight of this tour is your train ride on the Chihuahua al Pacifico Railroad. Named an engineering marvel by National Geographic, you’ll travel from sea level to almost 8,000 feet as you wind through rugged terrain and cross deep ravines on bridges—it is nothing short of spectacular! You’ll get to immerse yourself in the peaceful beauty of Copper Canyon when you overnight at the Mirador Hotel in Posada Barrancas. Located on the canyon’s edge near the highest point, all rooms have a magnificent view overlooking the canyon.

Other tour highlights include Urique Canyon, the deepest canyon in the western Sierra Madre Mountains, and Paquime, Mexico’s northernmost archaeological site where you’ll see the ancient pyramids and adobe-style apartments. Enjoy a cruise on the Sea of Cortez with a chance to see dolphins, seals, and exotic birds. On this tour, Globus has also included out-of-the-ordinary experiences. You’ll hear a presentation on the Tarahumara Indians, descendants of the Northern Mexico tribes who fled from the Spanish conquest and made the remote canyons their homes. In El Fuerte, founded in 1564, you’ll enjoy a Mexican party, where you’ll learn about Zorro and maybe even meet him!

These are just some of the highlights of this Copper Canyon tour. Be sure to grab your camera and get ready for a wonderful vacation! I did a similar trip (reverse order) with Brendan Tours in 2005.

Notes: When you cross the US/Mexico border on Day 2, you will be required by the Mexican Government to purchase and complete a Mexican Tourist Card. The cost is approximately $30US per person. Your Tour Director will be available to assist you. “Mexico’s Copper Canyon” vacation requires walking on cobblestone streets, uneven pathways, and climbing stairs. Elevations up to 8,000 feet can make even modest exertion a challenge.

Day 2 PHOENIX–SAN CARLOS
(BLD) This morning, we cross into Mexico. See large saguaro cacti and huge expanses of ranchland and pecan tree orchards. Continue through the Sonora Desert to San Carlos, located on the beautiful Sea of Cortez. Hotel: Marinaterra Hotel (MFC) 2 nights

Day 3 SAN CARLOS
(BLD) After breakfast, board a private boat for a CRUISE on the Sea of Cortez and the chance to see dolphins, seals, and exotic birds, such as the blue-footed booby and great blue heron. Next, visit a PEARL FARM, where you’ll learn about the indigenous rainbow-lipped pearl oyster and the unique colors of pearls it produces. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Enjoy a relaxing stroll along the beach, or watch the swaying palm trees.

Day 4 SAN CARLOS–EL FUERTE
(BLD) Today, travel to the picturesque colonial town of El Fuerte, founded in 1564. See the beautifully preserved colonial architecture and enjoy the festive atmosphere. El Fuerte is also famous for being the birthplace of the legendary Señor Diego de la Vegas, also known as Zorro. You’ll learn the history of Zorro and perhaps have a chance to meet him at tonight’s MEXICAN PARTY. Hotel: Hotel Posada del Hidalgo Hotel (FC) 2 nights

Day 5 EL FUERTE
(BLD) This morning, enjoy a WALKING TOUR of the historic city center. Later, there is time to join an optional float trip on the river, meet members of the local Mayo Indian tribe, or perhaps just relax in the hotel’s beautiful gardens. After dinner this evening, enjoy a folkloric DANCE SHOW.

Day 6 EL FUERTE–COPPER CANYON TRAIN–CEROCAHUI
(BLD) This morning, we board the train for your rail mis-adventure (at least it was the first time - LONG time just sitting - maybe a long Siesta for the train crew?) through El Canon de Cobre (Copper Canyon). Experience some of North America’s most magnificent scenery as your TRAIN winds its way along the rim of steep chasms, descends from mountain passes reaching 7,000 feet, and crosses canyons and rivers. Arrive in the beautiful valley of Cerocahui. After lunch, visit a local SCHOOL to interact with the children who call this part of the world home. We’ll also visit a local MISSION, founded in 1556. Before dinner this evening, enjoy a tour of the hotel’s winery, along with (not) a TASTING. Hotel: Hotel Mision (FC)

SPECIAL FEATURE: Spend the night at the impressive Hotel Misión. Located near Urique Canyon, you’ll enjoy a peaceful atmosphere, along with beautiful Spanish architecture. Stroll through the lush gardens and orchards, explore the quaint village, or perhaps enjoy a taste of delicious Tarahumara apple pie.

Day 7 CEROCAHUI–URIQUE CANYON–POSADA BARRANCAS (COPPER CANYON)
(BLD) We start today with a visit to impressive URIQUE CANYON, the deepest canyon in the western Sierra Madre Mountains. Enjoy spectacular views as your guide explains the history and culture of this region. We continue to Posada Barrancas, located on the rim of Copper Canyon, for a 2-night stay. Before dinner this evening, enjoy a PRESENTATION on the Tarahumara Indians and their culture. Hotel: Hotel Posada Barrancas Mirador (FC) 2 nights Free Wi-Fi

SPECIAL FEATURE: Your home for the next two nights is the Mirador Hotel. Located at the canyon’s edge near the highest point of the canyon, the Mirador is the premier hotel on the canyon rim and is the only hotel where each guestroom has a spectacular view overlooking the canyon.

Day 8 POSADA BARRANCAS
(BLD) This morning, immerse yourself in the peaceful beauty of Copper Canyon. After area sightseeing, you may want to take an optional excursion on the new Aerial Tramway that descends into the canyon and affords great views. Cameras are a must! During free time this afternoon, you may wish to join a hike along the canyon’s rim, try an exciting zipline ride, go horseback riding, discover the local Tarahumara Indians’ arts and crafts, or just relax in the magnificent surroundings.

Day 9 POSADA BARRANCAS–NUEVO CASAS GRANDES
(BLD) Today, we cross the Chihuahuan Desert and the fertile valley of Nuevo Casas Grandes. Visit Mexico’s northernmost archaeological site of PAQUIME, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once an important trading center, it combines elements of the Pueblo Indian civilization from the southwestern United States with Mesoamerican influences. See the pyramids, the adobe-style apartments, and learn about why these ruins are such a mystery to scientists, even today. Enjoy a festive farewell dinner hosted by your Tour Director this evening—the perfect ending to your Copper Canyon mis-adventure! Hotel: Hotel Hacienda (MFC)

Day 10 NUEVO CASAS GRANDES–PHOENIX
(BLD) Travel through the plains and cattle country of Chihuahua. Cross the border and re-enter the United States. Arrive in Phoenix early this evening. Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix Airport N (MFC)